To
paraphrase Webster, a
solenoid is an
electromagnet made out of a
wire wound around a
tube. A bar of
iron sits partially inside the tube. Run some
current through the wire, and it will pull the bar into the tube.
Voila, you have harnessed the
electron to provide some
axial force. Usually there's some sort of
spring that pulls the bar back out when you're done applying the
juice.
If you've been in an arcade, then you've seen solenoids at work in the moving parts of a pinball machine. If you've been in prison, you've seen solenoids at work in the electronic lock on your cell.
Don't ever try to drive a solenoid with alternating current. If you're lucky, it will scare you with the frenzied clacking of the bar against the tube. If you are unlucky, it will catch fire and burn down your house.